Skeletal system of the horse
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The skeletal system of the horse has three major functions in the body. It protects vital organs, provides framework, and supports soft parts of the body. Horses typically have 205 bones. The pelvic l
Horse Skull
Appendicular forelimb skeleton
Appendicular hindlimb skeleton
Withers
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Withers are the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal, typically a quadruped. In many species, this ridge is the tallest point of the body. In horses and dogs, it is the standard place to mea
Skeletal system of the horse
…may have 5 lumbar vertebrae, opposed to the usual 6, 17 thoracic vertebrae (and ribs) instead of 18, and 16 or 17 caudal vertebrae instead of 18. The withers of the horse are made up by the dorsal spinal processes of the thoracic vertebrae numbers 5 to 9. The skull consists of 34 bones and contains four…
The location of the withers on a horse
Chart illustrating the height of racehorses in hands, measured at the withers.